Kalmadi reappears, says teams are ‘happy’

Even as individual pullouts and contingents delaying their arrival are plaguing the Commonwealth Games, the Organising Committee chairman, Suresh Kalmadi, said he had had a fruitful meeting with the chefs de mission of all participating countries.

Even as individual pullouts and contingents delaying their arrival are plaguing the Commonwealth Games, the Organising Committee chairman, Suresh Kalmadi, said he had had a fruitful meeting with the chefs de mission of all participating countries.

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Speaking to members of the press, the man who was conspicuous by his absence on Wednesday, said he had personally ensured that the recent concerns of participating teams were addressed.

"I had some CWG work which kept me busy all day. Today, I had a meeting with all the chefs de mission and they were happy with the arrangements which have been put in place,” he said, also adding that he had not received any letter from any of the member countries. With just nine days to go for the Games, Kalmadi refused to give details of what the representatives of member countries were told or shown but said he was extremely disappointed with individual pullouts.

“Pullouts due to security concerns are frivolous. We have the best arrangement in place to ensure safety of athletes and officials. If these have not convinced certain athletes enough, not much can be said on the matter.”